In the first of a series of regular blogs, Peter Ramell of the Friends of Tooting Common, give us the low-down on this year’s Fun Dog Show!

Friends of Tooting Common's annual Fun Dog Show was held on 9th June 2019, on the Events Field on Tooting Bec Common. The weather started off warm & sunny and cooled down later, but we were fortunate that the rain held off and everyone had a wonderful time.

A wide range of breeds were represented in the 100 dogs entered in the show, with the usual range of sizes from chihuahuas and terrier puppies up to a Great Dane and an Irish Wolfhound, a previous winner of Best Puppy. There were about 450 spectators and competitors.

Our judges included Rosena Allin-Khan (MP for Tooting), Cllr Jane Cooper (Mayor of Wandsworth), Jacqueline Said (of the Dogs of Tooting Common), Jennifer and Lauren (from Streatham Hill Vets), and Downtown Woof.
 

Classes included Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Young and Junior Handlers, and Best Trick.

In the Young and Junior Handler classes, children had to take their dog for a trot around the ring, and then make them sit still, which is sometimes surprisingly difficult.

The Best Puppy class was judged by Rosena Allin-Khan MP and a large group of children, who enthusiastically voted for Pretzel the cavapoo, who was slightly overwhelmed by the attention. 

Otis the Jack Russell won the Best Trick class by popular acclaim for his moving portrayal of “the injured soldier”.

Many thanks to the stalls and exhibitors who came to the Show: Downtown Woof, Pupsicle (ice cream for dogs), Wandsworth Council (Parks & Events Police, Dog Control Service, and Animal Welfare Service), Strays of Greece, Black Dog Bakery, Streatham Hill Vets, and Stranger Naans. Thank you in particular to Streatham Hill Vets, Black Dog Bakery and Downtown Woof for providing prizes.

Thanks to the entrants, the spectators, our volunteers, and the judges.

Classes were:

• Most handsome dog
• Prettiest bitch
• Junior handler – up to 8 years
• Young handler – 8 to 16 years
• Best puppy – under 18 months
• Best fancy dress
• Best veteran – over 8 years
• Best trick
• Best rescue
• Waggiest tail

Rosettes were awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended.

Find out more about Friends of Tooting Common on their website and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

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